TRENTON — Quaker Neck Country Club, a semi-private golf course in Jones County, is closing Thursday after 44 years.

Jessie Eubanks, the owner of Quaker Neck, said the course has been there since 1969.

“I’m not too interested in commenting,” he said about the closing.

Eubanks, 78, said he and his wife were getting up in age.

“We don’t need the hassle,” he said.

According to a website about Quaker Neck Country Club, it offered an 18-hole golf course, a limited practice range, banquet facilities, Olympic-sized swimming pool, boat ramps and a snack shop.

Eubanks’ wife, Shirley, said she didn’t know what her husband planned to do with the golf course.

“An investor has looked at it, but I know it was not for a golf course,” she said. “I don’t know what he will do.”

Jane Robb, director of Jones County economic development, was unaware Wednesday that Quaker Neck was closing.

“That’s unfortunate,” Robb said. “I really thought they were working to keep it going and keep it up. It is such a longstanding business in the county. That is really unfortunate, and I hate to hear that.”

Robb said maybe it is a potential for an investor to come in and give the course a new life and modernize it.

“It’s such a beautiful area,” she said. “There are so many parts of Jones County that are rural, but yet full of nature and natural resources.”

Robb said Quaker Neck was the only golf and country club in the county.

“I hate to see Jones County lose that,” she said. “I hope whatever happens will be most beneficial to the property owners. That will be the best way to go. Hopefully that decision will benefit the county too.”

Eddie Fitzgerald can be reached at 252-635-5675 or at eddie.fitzgerald@newbernsj.com. Follow him on Twitter @staffwriter3.